What Liverpool should REALLY be targeting this summer

There has been plenty of talk about positions that need strengthening, but attributes are just as important

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool holding the match ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on March 2, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

It was Alan Hansen, partaking in his punditry duties on Match of the Day, whose laconic assessments would often strike the sharpest chord. The former Liverpool defender would focus his analysis on attributes and, ultimately, it is attributes which determine whether a player is successful or not.

The appraisal of Jurgen Klopp’s current squad and how it can be better equipped is well under way for the summer, but perhaps the focus on Liverpool’s dealings is all wrong.

After Alberto Moreno’s horror show in the Europa League final – a show in which he was the headline act, but in no way the sole ‘star’ – a left back is essential.

Attributes, then, are key. Despite Klopp steering the team to two cup finals, it was also a side that finished the campaign in eighth. There was plenty missing in 2015-16, and plenty that can be added to the squad this season.

This is what Liverpool need from their new signings; not in terms of positions, but adding something that is missing from the current squad.

Liverpool F.C transfer committee

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Pace

What do they currently have? Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings are both rapid up front. Jordon Ibe’s future is still in doubt, but he is one of the few midfielders with a genuine turn of foot. Sheyi Ojo’s emergence was also welcome to bolster pace out wide, while the returning Lazar Markovic also adds a bit of zip to the forward line. Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne also bring quickness from the full back positions.

Why do they need it? Liverpool possess plenty of technical players in the final third but, too often last season, they lacked any real penetration on the counter attack. That can be attributed to the absence of Ings throughout the majority of the campaign, as well as Sturridge for a sizeable chunk of it. For the vision of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, among others, there is still a lack of players with the ability to simply move with the ball at speed.

Which linked players fit the bill? Sadio Mane.

Sadio Mane of Southampton

Experience

What do they currently have? Not a lot, in truth, both in terms of general experience and experience of winning trophies. Losing Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel in the same summer harms that. Lucas Leiva may remain and will do so as the most experienced player at Anfield. Jordan Henderson has played over 200 times for the Reds, and James Milner has won plenty at Manchester City.

Why do they need it? With experience comes leadership; with leadership comes game management, and consistency. All of these things were absent at various points of 2015-16. The side who put Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal to the sword is the same which fell upon it against Watford and Newcastle. In the Europa League final against Sevilla, it was apparent how an experienced, controlling presence was needed; a player who would put his foot on the ball and calm both his team-mates and the tempo.

Which linked players fit the bill? None, as things stand, though Joel Matip has nearly 200 Bundesliga appearances at the age of 24.

Joel Matip

Height and power

What do they currently have? Summer arrivals Matip and Marko Grujic both add a fair bit of height as 6 foot 5 and 6 foot 3 respectively. Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren are both tall, though not overly so for defenders, while Christian Benteke gives that presence up front but is likely to depart this summer.

Why do they need it? One of the glaring weaknesses of Liverpool’s defence was their inability to deal with set pieces, and one simple solution is to add more height into the side. It was also evident, at times, that Liverpool would be overrun physically – memories of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo running riot for Watford just before Christmas remain strong – and therefore a bit of mettle is needed to combat that. Klopp’s demand for an intense, abrasive style of football needs a mixture of maestros and monsters; there are not enough of the latter right now.

Which linked players fit the bill? Dahoud is a powerful midfielder, while confirmed arrivals of Matip and Grujic appear to bring a bit of power to Anfield.

Piotr Zielinski of Poland

Set-piece specialist

What do they currently have? It is hard to truly pinpoint who takes Liverpool’s free kicks and corners – that, in itself, highlights the need to find one. Milner, Coutinho, Henderson and Moreno generally share the duties, though Ojo seems to have the ability to put a good corner in.

Why do they need it? Too often the Reds wasted opportunities from free kicks and set pieces. Although they scored nine goals from corners, and six from free kicks, plenty of chances were wasted from dead ball situations. Having a player who can deliver a ball with precision, on a consistent basis, would add a further headache to the opposition.

Which linked players fit the bill? Ben Chilwell is said to have a strong left foot, while Piotr Zielinski scored an eye-catching free kick for Poland against San Marino in 2013. Not really, though.